An Arkansas man today pleaded guilty in federal court to conspiring to sell anabolic steroids.

According to the U.S. Attorney's office, Kristen Mealer, of Timbo, Ark., distributed more than 185,000 dosage units from January 2007 to February 2008.

Prosecutors said that he and others in the conspiracy operated an underground lab, where agents recovered raw steroid powder, as well as liquid anabolic steroids. Also found during the searches were electronic currency counters, hot plates and lab equipment.

Mr. Mealer joined an organization to sell the steroids online using the brand name "Hell Fire Labs," said Assistant U.S. Attorney Mary Houghton. He received a complete steroid lab in the mail from another co-conspirator in Vandergrift. It included raw powders, glassware and heating plates.

According to the plea agreement, Mr. Mealer has agreed to cooperate with the investigation and could earn a reduction in his recommended sentencing range of 24 to 30 months. He will be sentenced by U.S. District Judge Arthur J. Schwab on Oct. 30 and will remain free until then.